As the experts in all things concrete in Roanoke, VA, and its surrounding areas, we’re well accustomed to the unpredictable extremes our climate tends to throw at us, including the real potential for extreme temperature dips in the Wintertime. Concrete driveways are one of the most exposed surfaces around a property, and therefore, more susceptible to the effects of various weather conditions.
Homeowners and property owners might not think of concrete as the first item on the agenda of things to protect during the colder months, but Level Up Construction is here to tell you why it’s important to winterproof your concrete driveways and concrete patios, and some practical steps you can take towards doing so!
What is Winterproofing Anyways?
Sure, winterproofing sounds like a smart move, but what does it actually entail? Winterproofing your concrete in Roanoke, VA, is not done in a single action, but rather a series of preventative steps taken to prepare the concrete to withstand the harsh conditions that Southwest Virginia winters can throw at us.
And really, winterproofing your concrete patios and concrete driveways typically involves best practices for concrete care anyway. Think of actions like applying sealers, addressing vulnerabilities like cracks, smoothing uneven surfaces, and minimizing the use of harsh chemical de-icers.
All of these small measures go a long way in preserving your concrete in Roanoke, VA, for years to come.
Why Should You Winterproof Your Concrete in Roanoke, VA?
The top reason to winterproof your surfaces is to protect against problems originating from freeze-thaw cycles. When water seeps into the concrete’s pores, it quite literally becomes a growing problem. Water expands when it freezes, causing cracking, spalling, and surface degradation.
For surfaces that need to be as sturdy and reliable as concrete sidewalks and concrete driveways, this type of damage can pose issues with their safety and structural integrity, making seasonal care necessary. Proper prep prevents problems!
Winter weather brings de-icing chemicals that directly degrade concrete in Roanoke, VA, making it essential to apply a sealer. Common salts like sodium chloride can corrode rebar, weaken the surface, and accelerate deterioration.
Sealers create a blockage against chemical penetration and preserve structural integrity. Proper sealing and maintenance can add years to the lifespan of concrete driveways, patios, and walkways. The small efforts now can save you a lot of money in the future!
The Winterproofing Process
Start your winterization process by inspecting the surface as it stands; look for signs of damage and determine if repairs are needed. Once you’ve identified any cracks, you can typically fill in the cracks yourself with aflexible crack sealer. However, if the crack is wider than 1/8”, we recommend calling the professionals in.
If your inspection uncovers any flaking surfaces, sealing alone won’t fix the problem. The surface should be cleaned of any debris and loose flakes, and then gone over with a standard concrete resurfacing solution.
Next, apply a concrete penetrating sealer to protect your concrete in Roanoke, VA. These sealers block moisture from entering the naturally porous concrete and can be rolled or sprayed on for full coverage.
Is Your Concrete Beyond Winterproofing?
Admittedly, sometimes concrete is far too worn or aged to justify the efforts that go into winterproofing. When your concrete is beyond repair, sometimes new concrete is necessary.We’re the concrete experts in Roanoke and the surrounding areas and would love to help get your surfaces back to their former glory, or better! Give us a shout today!